Oh, I have treats to show you, blazing fire too! Here’s treat #1: Musica
Something delicious is cooking!
Where do we start . . . let’s see, how about here. . .
This is Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich on Cape Cod where I went to sign books last week. But look what they did — with brown plastic tablecloths, they made the front of their shop into a gingerbread house! They cut heavy white paper plates in half and glued them around the doors and windows, and used some as edges to the “house” . . . they made candies out of them too, and lollypops in the window boxes. Isn’t that brilliant!?! I thought so too. I’d love to try this on our house next year.
I’m almost all unpacked from the trip now . . . I thought I’d show you some of the things I got at antique stores as we crossed the country. First off, lambs! You know how much I love lambs! I had a few before we went away, but on this trip whenever I saw one I thought would fit with my little group, I would get it. It was so fun to unwrap them, slowly, after forgetting what I’d gotten. I have a flock!
And look, treasure! I found a Beatrix Potter figurine of Samuel Whiskers! There was no possible way for me to leave him in that dusty old store, alone and unloved. I’d never seen this figurine before . . . did not even know what I was missing. Adorable thing, I saw it from across the room and honed in on it like a submarine sonar system. (Like I know what a submarine sonar system is, I think I made that up, but you know what I mean! Like Jack and his rubber band!) And now Samuel has friends. Never to be alone again.
And later, in another store, I found Mrs. Tittlemouse! Another BP person from 1948 I did not know existed. In her jaunty striped coat with the
bow on the back! She’s now lined up with the others on my kitchen shelf . . .
And look at this gorgeous vintage tea set I found! It was displayed on a starched white lace tablecloth in an antique store in Oklahoma City and practically glowed in the dark it was so pretty. I walked round and round it like a tiger in a cage. It was such a good deal, I couldn’t leave it there, so we wrapped it all in newspaper and brought it home, and now I’ve given it a nice soapy bath.
It’s all hand-painted, gold-edged, and made in England, it even came with an old silver sugar spoon!
The set serves six, it’s only missing one cup. But I mixed-and-matched it with both old and new china cups and mugs, to see what it looks like, and I think it’s even better. I love mismatched! You know what a dish person I am.
Here’s what it says on the bottom. I don’t think it has a pattern name; I’m thinking Tuscan is the name of the China company. Has anyone ever heard of it?
I love nesting . . . I’ve been making up for lost time . . .
We’re taking it slow . . . we haven’t even trimmed the tree yet. That’s OK, it’s in a bucket of water in the dining room, so we’re close. There’s a wreath on the front door, we’re getting there. We have Christmas in our hearts! I’m determined to enjoy this season and in order to do that, I want to go slow and not feel hurried. If something doesn’t get done, it won’t matter. A little poinsettia in the window is just fine for me . . .
I’m just happy to be . . .
I’m spending lots of time in the kitchen with my little buddy . . .
Jack is interested in everything I do, and everything that goes on outside our window ~
It’s been really cold, but beautiful . . . decorative cardinals have been flocking around the feeders. Note, you California/Florida Girlfriends, that there is no color out there in the garden, it is a sepia/white world here in the winter, which is why we were blessed with the Cardinal. What a gift!
And it’s not cold inside, it’s crackling and cozy and smells just wonderful . . .
One thing I’ve been doing is making a few little food-gift items for friends. This morning I made one of my favorite candies for this time of year, chocolate-covered Almond Brittle from page 132 of Vineyard Seasons. SO easy, and perfectly irresistible ~ and very mailable . . I thought I’d show you how, in case you have a last minute someone you’d like to please . . . . But first, more MUSICA for the kitchen dance . . .
So all you do is (don’t blink because this recipe is really fast!) put one pound of butter and two cups of sugar in a large heavy pot on top of your stove.
then pour in one-quarter cup of water . . . hook a candy thermometer to the side of the pan . . . don’t let the tip touch the bottom.
Melt the butter together with the sugar and the water over medium-high heat . . . boil mixture briskly until your candy thermometer reads 300°.
Stir and stir, boil and boil, and while you do you can count your blessings and . . .
watch the birds and stir a little more . . .
The mixture will cook and darken like brittle should. When it reaches the “crack” hard candy stage on your candy thermometer, 300°, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in two cups of sliced almonds.
Then spread the mixture thinly on an ungreased (plenty of butter already in the recipe) cookie sheet (or two) and allow it to cool.
When the brittle is almost cool, melt eight ounces unsweetened chocolate over low heat in a heavy pan, stirring constantly.
Then brush the warm chocolate over the top of the candy. Let it cool completely before you
break it up into pieces (I hit the bottom of the pan with a hammer to put hairline cracks in it all over, then I do the rest with a knife).
. . . and then I fill the tins and boxes I’ve collected to use for Christmas gifts . . . old ones and new ones from the pantry . . .
I had this darling box that I lined in a lace doily, and I knew the perfect person to give it to. . .
It’s the same person I’m giving the dishes to . . . the perfect little gift for . . .
Y O U !
Surprise! Yes, it’s YOU ♥ YOU ♥ YOU, (like bread and fishes, I wish it could be all of you, but for a few days, it will be only YOU, and then, one of you really will walk away with this elegant little English tea set, just in time for Downton Abbey! It’s my present to you. It’s been so long, I wanted it to be something nice. The minute I saw these dishes, I thought, my girls will love these. But then, I couldn’t send them out without a little homemade something! That wouldn’t be right. So I made you some Chocolate-Covered Almond Brittle to remember me by. Now all you have to do is leave me a
comment at the bottom of this post and you’ll automatically be entered for the drawing for the Tea Set and box of homemade candy.
(BTW, If this blog comes to your email box, in order to enter you will have to click on www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and come here to the online version, then scroll to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments,” click on it and leave a word or two and you’ll be entered!)
Then our girl Vanna (Vanna is the same as a “random number generator” only our Vanna has a lot more verve and style) will be pressed back into service. She’s done NOTHING for months, it’s about time she earned her keep. In a few days she will choose one of your names from her giant Santa hat and I’ll announce the winner. Tell your friends too Girlfriends, your sisters and your mom, because even if you don’t win, you could get invited to Tea (possibly even Twine) at their house and have candy to boot. You can leave as many comments as you want, Vanna knows to only count each name once. She is a contest-engineering genius.
So while I’m cleaning up, I’ll tell you about another surprise. Because if any of you bought a signed copy of our new book A FINE ROMANCE from our studio for your friends and family during this month of December, you don’t know it, but you’ve already given a gift to some very 
special people. Oh yes! Seven dollars from each purchase through our studio for the entire month of December will be going to Casa Pacifica, an organization in California that “Builds Foundations of Hope” for abused and neglected children. ♥
So I got lambs and new BP People and I got to go out and meet so many of you, and you got dishes and candy, and lots more I hope, and we all made a little bit of a difference for children and families, because without you there would be no FINE ROMANCE. ♥ High five, Girlfriends. Thank you also for the wonderful reviews on Amazon, I know it’s you. We are still number one in England Travel Guides! Thank you so much! We make a little difference in our own little kindred spirit world. What goes around comes around.♥
And now it’s time . . . I can smell it from here . . .
I put a little something in the oven for lunch . . . and it’s ready!
A big delicious, salted buttered sweet potato all caramelized and ready to go. Oh yes. Perfect for this cold day. Off I go now. Don’t forget to leave your comment Girls. Good luck, I hope you are having just the very best time! ♥
I just want to say that I love your website! Every time I sign on it is like curling up to a good book! Cup of tea in hand and diary (just in case) I read along and listen to the “musica”. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for helping keep my heart stay young……and romantic! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Love the tea set–would love to try the candy! Have most of your books and am reading from the reading list. Please, please enter my name in the drawing if it’s not too late this Christmas Day P.M. Thanks being such an inspiration, Judy
Love your special stories and sharing life with you! So glad your trip and book signing was so delightful!
Totally loved your Christmas story!
Love your blog… even though we are fighting the flu here we are cheered, reading your messages. (Love the Lambs – capitalized because it’s my maiden name.) Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hugs
Hi Susan,
Happy, Merry, Joyful to you and to all!!! Wow- the number of comments here just staggers me. 🙂 I love the picture of Jack sitting so politely and watching you in the kitchen. He is adorable. As is Girl Kitty! We have to spread the love evenly when there are two kitties around- such hard work. 😉
Love and cozy days to you and to yours from us and ours.
<3
Gabi
Currently reading A Fine Romance…savoring it I should say. It’s just wonderful. I only have a chapter or two to go and don’t want it to end. I feel as though I’m right beside you and Joe exploring. The tea set is lovely!
Me! Me! Oh Vanna pick me! I just received A Fine Romance and stayed up until 2am reading I could not put it down reliving the trip on the blog. Such a joy it was to travel with you. Guess what – I also have a set of Rose Chintz china just like my Grandmother had and you have! I love pretty china! Thank you Susan for all of your kindness and inspiration. From the far NW corner of Washington Merry Christmas! Nancy
What a fun post! I bet Jack is thrilled to have you back home.
Wishing a very merry Christmas to you and Joe and all of the girlfriends here!! Thanks so much for the gift of A Fine Romance…it made my year! Cheers to 2014 and many more adventures in your future!
Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe and kitties! We have a new grandson so I’m slow to get to your blog. What a great Christmas gift… Sending love and joy to you, love, candy
The kids are not coming until New Year’s week, SO my husband and I will have a date for dinner on Christmas Day, and THEN, I’m settling down, not for a long winter’s nap (okay, maybe a little one) but instead with my copy of A Fine Romance. A Christmas gift to myself. Thanks for your beautiful work and spot-on remembrances of the land across the pond.
Hello! I am new to reading your Blog…have alot of catching up to do!
It is just precious! Lovely subjects and delightful art work. Hope you have a warm and safe Holiday. Thanks for the chance to own the lovely tea set.
Nice to meet you Janette!
Yum Yum give me some
X X Abelle
Holly jolly Day
Lookit my Girlfriend Annie. xoxo Yum yum give me some. Or not, actually not, should not give me some because I’ve had too much already!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, and have a blessed and healthy New Year! this is my favorite “blog”
How lovely to find such a beautiful china tea set in the midst of all your travels,,,,but then, to go and share it with us?!,,,,that is so very, very kind of you! Thank You and I hope you have a Magical Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and thank you for the wonderful giveaway! You are so generous to us! Looking forward to your posts in 2014!
Just beautiful! God bless us everyone!
thank you! oh! thank you for a lovely Christmas-y visit with you, the lambs, the tea-set, the almond-brittle, and the forlorn boy on the sled, in the rain, till he devised a simply wonderful way to make use of his present from mom & dad!!! the lil pooch pulling the sled-wagon as if his existence depended on it is adorable as well. I am in awe of what you do, susan branch…and, as before, I say : thank you! oh! thank you! have a merry, merry and a happy, healthy new year!!! you are in my heart.
New to your adorable website. Lovely. Excited for the chance to win the lovely tea set. Celebrating Christmas with my daughter, Carol Noel, born on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to all, looking forward to enjoying your website and blog.
A very Merry Christmas to you! Your writings and drawings have brought uber amounts of joy and merriment to my mom and I. We adore your ramblings and, most of all, a shared love of capturing special memories.
I just finished your Christmas story, it reminded me of how magical those toys under the tree looked in the dark. Sigh….my husbands parents didn’t “lie”to them about Santa, but I’m glad mine did. 🙂 It was a wonderful experience.
The tea set is beautiful!
Hi Susan
Oh my goodness….what a great idea! A baked sweet potato. Next time I go grocery shopping I am buying some sweet potatoes and I will bake one! I had never thought of baking a sweet potato. Looks delicious. Thanks for the idea!
Barbara
Oooo, you are in for a treat!
Hi Susan,
After reading your blog for Dec. 24th, I am so peaceful. Seeing the cardinals from your kitchen window as you made brittle and talked about your family, well, it is YOUR sharing with all of us that makes you a unique and appreciated human being. Enjoy your holiday and know you have made the world a better place and inspired in others to do good things and to acknowledge the power of the simple things in life.
Thank you from the heart of someone who lives in the operating room. So many people are sick this time of year and we need the cheer from someone like you.
P.S.: I have read your new book, twice!
Cris, thank you for all you do … what would the world be without you brave people! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!
I love your blog! Your cookbooks have been part of every holiday in our home for a long time. I still love looking through them to find the perfect recipe or inspiration. Love the tea set! My home is a happy orphanage for mismatched china sets, they are the best! Merry Christmas to you, Joe & the cats (;
Do not know if my previous email was accepted. Thought I had done it correctly!
Christmas Love to all, Susan, Joe and her remarkable staff and kitties!
What a delight your blog is. Thank you so much for generously sharing your art, philosophy, and joy.
Merry Christmas to you and Joe and the kitties. I love all your posts! Even though I am a good bit older than you it seems that those of us who have similar memories are so very lucky. Looking forward to the New Year. Stay safe and cozy.
Oh, I would LOVE the dishes! I’m planning a tea party for my friends after the New Year. I’m retired and don’t see them as often as I used to. Merry Christmas to you, I wish you a joyful day!
The pictures of your home are so warm and inviting on a cold, cold night here in the South! How generous of you to give away such treasures as the tea set! I’m a tea lover and I think it would be so elegant to drink my morning tea from. Have a very Merry Christmas!
How wonderful of you to contribute to Casda Pacifica. Come on everyone….there’s still time to buy more books! They’re wonderful treasures for family, friends and yourself.
Wishing you both a warm, cozy, blessed Christmas with those you love.
From very frigid MN!!
Hi Susan – I loved your book! It was such a treat to read with a cuppa. Your website is always beautiful and interesting too. My family and I love your cats too. Merry Christmas to you and all of yours from Kamloops, BC, Canada
Merry Christmas from almost heaven WV! I am new to your blog also, enjoy your stories
especially with a nice cup of tea in a pretty cup makes it taste even better. Thank you for your giveaway! Wish you the best in 2014….
How sweet of you! I just stopped by to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas from Florida! holiday hugs, Diane
Merry Christmas Susan! Thanks for the reminder for the Almond Brittle. I have a large bag and now I know what to do with all those almonds. Would love to own the tea set! Would sit with my little weekly knitting circle and drink toasts to you.
So here’s hoping Vanna picks my name.
My sister and I were the only grandchildren on my mother’s side. We were spoiled rotten. One Christmas I received a quilted skirt with a mink button. Wow. Small town Utah, cousins next door, and grandparents who adored us. Can’t beat that. How blessed I am.
A mink button! Oh how wonderful!
Thanks for making each day merry and bright! I love your positive outlook on life.
Julie
Thank you, Susan. Love your blogs!
Thank you for your blog posts- your writing and artwork always brighten my day. The tea set is beautiful and reminds me of gentler times. It’s such a wonderful giveaway. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas. You and your beautiful work has been a part of our holidays for years. Thank you for putting pen to paper and creating such lovely things they make my life so much nicer.
Have a joyous Christmas, and may 2014 be filled with only joy for you and yours!
It is ALWAYS a celebration when your blog comes around!!!
Feliz Navidad Susan!
What a joy it is to read your blog. Its enchanting! Your big family sounded
similar to our large family of 11 kids from Helena, Ohio. Yes, I wish I could be
a kid for a day or two. Christmas was magic, when I was a kid. Your blog takes me back to those days of love and family. I am very interested in being considered for the Give Away and hope Vanna picks put my name. (Pick me, pick me!) Wishing you and your husband the merriest of Christmas! God bless!
Lydia Alejandro
Your posts make my week. They are like peeking into a window of pure joy. Thank you for sharing!! Hope you make it to the west coast sometime!!!
Hi Susan!! YOU have such a beautiful heart I so enjoy your site! Have a wonderful Christmas! With fond regards,Christine
Did I make a mistake?
You did it perfectly!
I just discovered your blog and your wonderful book-A Fine Romance. I absolutely couldn’t put it down! It has everything I love in it-England, Beatrix Potter and her sweet little creatures, tea rooms and antique shops. The story is wonderful and the watercolor illustrations are so pretty. I am so glad you have a blog so I can continue to follow your adventures.
Happy Christmas to you, Joe and your darling kitties!
brigid
Also, can anyone tell me how to put a picture in the avatar?
Nice to meet you Brigid!
High Five back at you! I was coveting that tea set as I was reading–I love that green and those sweet little hand-painted flowers! Gave The Book to my best friend for and early Christmas present (like when it was first released!). I couldn’t wait to share it with her. Best friend just gifted me with a Sit, Stay Canister filled with your special tea, so I NEED that set to go with my tea!! Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas!
What a delightful story learning of your unsuccessful slip out of bed on Christmas Eve. I bet if you had the lovely tea set to offer your Grandmama a cup of tea in exchange for just a peek into the Christmas room she would have given in!
Yes! Bribery! Why didn’t I think of that! 🙂
As a long time lover of all things Susan Branch—what kindred spirits we are! The new season of Downton Abbey is just around the corner and what could possibly be more fabulous than to have the beautiful green tea set to have a proper Downton tea with and invite the girlfriends over! ;P
Merry Christmas Susan! What a cute trip down memory lane. I love picturing you running around to all the windows jingling those magic bells! Leave it to you to create more magic for your brothers and sisters! What a fun big sister you must have been. I hope they still treasure you. I’m sure they must. By the way, has Santa been up your way on an earlier mission, delivering something for the ears that looks more like something for the upper lip? …or a certain kitty’s upper lip? If that is a mystery to you, he must not have made it up there yet. Just wondering. Ho ho ho Have a wonderful Christmas, Sweetie! Happy New Year, too. Love, Brenda from NC
OH yes, diamond mustaches! 🙂 Cutest things! Love your hints just in case! Thank you Brenda! Perfect!
A very Merry Christmas to you and Joe! What a beautiful gift for one of the girlfriends. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you for all the warmth and happiness you bring.
I loved your book! Thank you for writing it.
I just love your blog, so very much. It makes me smile and feel very creative. Thank you and have a wonderful new year 🙂
a beautiful reminder of your Christmas’ past and a joy for this year [yummy brittle] and the future Christmas teas! actually the tea set would be used a lot more than just Christmas. a bountiful Christmas day and a bright year ahead.
It’s Christmas Eve. I’ m listening for the sound of hooves on the roof!
Love your website. I also like all of the great recipes. Yum!! Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
What a lovely giveaway! Thanks for the chance to own such a charming set. Merry Christmas!
Have a Merry Christmas! What a sweet person you are to all of us! I have enjoyed this past year with you, thank you for taking me along with you on your travels, and loved your book!
Many Blessings to you and all your friends,
Donna
Merry Christmas! My family made Candy Cane cookies today with Annie Hall’s amazing butter cookie recipe from your Christmas from the Heart of the Home book. It wouldn’t be Christmas without those cookies! Thank you for the giveaway!
I love your artful blog and heartfelt stories-the lambs, the bunnies and your own memories – then wow! that tea set with candy you have made-wow what an amazing give-a-way prize! Reading your blog is like visiting with an old friend, thank you and
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Down Under. Yes,as I am sending this message it is 8.30pm Christmas Night in Australia. We have had a lovely warm,summers day today.Eating Christmas dinner outside under the gum trees,sipping on champagne and beer.Cups of tea(would look lovely in your tea set),children swimming in the pool,surrounded by family. What more could you want.
Susan dear ~ Would love to open the mailbox to that lovely tea set, but if
not, I would be thrilled to have one of your beautiful cardinals light outside
on our dogwood tree or, better yet, open up a parcel containing Jack coming
to spend a week with us for some spoiling….
You are a treasure and we wish you, Joe, your staff and household a most
blessed and fulfilling Christmastide. You bless us many-fold.
Love ~
Gentiltiy
About to go next door where grandchildren sleep to see what Santa has brought. Cold and clear and bright stars everywhere. Merry Christmas to you both and the kitties…..
I love reading your blogs. You always make me remember such wonderful things from my past. My family used to make peanut brittle when I was young. Gosh I miss those days.
You are such an inspiration! LOVE LOVE LOVE your new book!!! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas
Thank you Kimberly! So far it’s wonderful! Still dark out so it’s just me, Jack and Girl (the kitties), the TV, the Christmas tree and Our Lady of Fatima is on TV.
We must be similar in age. All your memories are much like mine…sweet to read yours.
Also, I love your photos…great talent. Thanks!
colleen stuart
Merry Christmas Susan and Joe. May your happiness continue forever.
Merry Christmas, Susan! I hope you have a magical day,
Merry Christmas! Thanks for your lovely blog.
Always look forward to your wonderful stories. I keep my daughter supplied with your calendars every year and she also loves your date book and your “A Fine Romance” was her surprise at her birthday this year. Loved your post on 12/24/13! Love the tea set your giving away. Not sure if I would be allowed to keep it even if I did win! I’m sure my daughter would beg for it! Have a Merry Christmas.
LOL! That’s the trouble with daughters!
Oh my look at all these post ! Well I am going to enter again just cause I would love to win. Purchased a few books and gave them to my best girlfriends for Christmas and now I know I am going to have to have a tea party!!! Oh and baked sweet potatoes will be on the menu today , Christmas , to go along with Toms delicious prime rib ! Ho!Ho!Ho!
Sounds just delicious. Happy tea party to you too Linda!
Susan, thank you for sharing how you tried to escape out of bed without waking your grandma. It brought back memories as I slept with my grandma too, only I was on the inside next to the wall..no escape for me! 🙂
Happy Christmas to you, Joe and Kitties!
Trapped!
Merriest of Christmas girlfriends!
I waited til the house was quiet this morning to read your Christmas story!
The fir tree branches are plump with snow and we are getting ready for our wee ones to arrive!!! Xo
Heaven.
Susan, it just like having a friend in the kitchen with me. Thanks for all the holiday cheer!
P.S. My Christmas gift to my girlfriends and daughters was your book ” A Fine Romance”. So enjoyed the adventure to England and my dear girlfriend and I are planning a trip!
How fun for you! Be sure to tell us about it!
Susan, Thank You for your wonderful stories, your beautiful art, your fabulous blog. Thank you for YOU! You AND Joe! You and Joe AND the kitties! And, and, and . . . 🙂
Merry Christmas!!
Thank YOU for being here Miss Marion!
Merry Christmas! It’s clear and sunny and cold in Dallas, so seeing your snow and cardinals makes its seem more like a cozy Christmas for me. My kitty is looking out the window too at the fluffy birds eating their bird seed. Kindred kitty spirits. The China is so pretty. It reminds me of the China in that movie, The Age of Innocence. I’m going to start keeping an eye out for vintage Beatrix Potter figurines. That will be a good Happy New Years resolution for us! Rescue them and give them a good home.
I’m not sure who would be rescuing whom, because they perk a person up every time her eyes light on them.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I have enjoyed your books for years and now your blog. I live so far away from everywhere ( and I am not a traveler ) that I never get to join in on the fun of meeting you, but I feel like we are friends anyhow.!!! May God bless you and yours in the coming New Year.
Thank you ! You = Joy ! Merry Christmas to you , Joe , Jack and Girl Kitty !
Hello and Merry Christmas from cold and sunny North Central TX! May y’all enjoy this special day doing what you love doing for the people you love the most. And have a Happy & Healthy 2014!
My daughter introduced me to your blog & I really enjoy it. If I win your dishes they will go to my daughter who will absolutely love them (she does love old dishes).
Susan, I really enjoyed reading your blog for the first time today.merry christmas.
I always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for putting all the past posts and Willards on your site…I have read all and enjoyed them. My daughter, Lisa, came from Georgia to your book signing at the antique show in California. One of my Christmas gifts is an autographed copy of A Fine Romance….what fun!
Your books and blog take me to a special place of sweetness. Thank you and God bless you and yours
Thank you for writing such a wonderful blog!
Merry Christmas! I’ve got Pecan Praline French Bread baking in the oven to fill our tiny house with good smells this morning! Turkey dinner and trimmings this evening. Thank you, Thank You THANK YOU for all the inspiration you’ve passed on to us, your readers! It helped me get in the spirit of Christmas and get cracking on all the kitchen foods I’ve prepared for family friends and neighbors. Merry, Merry!
Even your sink is adorable! Merry Christmas, Susan and Joe. Thanks for another wonderful year of stories and charm.
merry Christmas! what a lovely blog to read this morning! and I am greedily hoping I am not too late for the tea set drawing!
hope everyone has a memorable holiday!
Introduced to your blog by my daughter….really enjoy it. If I should win the dishes they will go to her….she loves old dishes!
Like a letter from a far away friend, I always look forward to the liveliness of your website blog. Thank you for sharing so much beauty with your girlfriends.
Denise
*loveliness
Auto correct points out that your beautiful blog is “lively”. I think it’s both full of life and loveliness! (
Merry Christmas Susan to you Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack. May your day be filled with blessings and your tummies filled with good food! Would love to win the tea set, it is soooo pretty. Thank you for all you do to make our days brighter!
LOVE your “grandma” story of trying to sneak out of bed on Christmas morn.!!!
Hi Susan,
I love your Christmas story,and I can imagine your excitement when you saw a new BP figurine.Have a Merry Christmas all!
love,Marion
Susan,
Our family have loved your books and recipes for almost 25 years. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I just LOVE this tea set and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. It always makes me feel so good to read it and see all your wonderful pictures. It transports me to a warm and cozy place where I can escape and daydream. I’ve loved your books and drawings for years. Makes me wish I could live in one of them.
My grandma showed me your blog just before my trip to England last year. Now I subscribe! Three generations of my family love your work! Thanks!
Vienna, 13
Well, that is saying something Vienna! Three generations! I’m honored! Say Hi to your Grandma and mom for me!
Just wanted to wish you & yours Susan & all the girlfriends this side of the pond & that side a very merry Christmas & a happy new year!
And yes winning the tea set would be a lovely way to start the year for some lucky girlfriend! xxxx
I just love all the memories that come with the tree ornaments and special china at Christmas. Last night, at a family gathering, my cousin received a vintage tea set and explained how she took a fun class in making a festive afternoon high tea. Fun to learn that family enjoys the same things you do. My Christmas afternoon relaxing will include reding all the Susan Branch blogs I’ve missed in the hustlee and bustle of preparation. Nothing sweeter than a cup of tea and pretty pictures and words.
Merry Merry Christmas! I love reading your stories and your font adds so much
charm to my laptop as well as the beautiful watercolor details. Yes, I love tea!!
teehee.
Susan, thankyou for writing such a lovely book, it is as if I was right there with.
I adore Beatrix Potter and anything English. This was trip through the heart and eyes. One that I will never be able to take, but did through your writings. Thankyou. The tea set is lovely. I collect tea things. Your home is lovely and I enjoy your fury friends. May the New Year bring much joy and loveliness to your life.
Susan, thank you so much for sharing so much to so many of us through your blog–your heart. It is, indeed, a true ministry of human kindness, sensitivity, encouragement, hope and joy. You ventured east from California, and I ventured west from California to Hawaii in 1967 at 24 years of age. Our life decisions thankfully led to a rich and fulfilling life for both of us! Perhaps you and Joe might consider a trip to Hawaii in your future plans. Hawaii would be so fortunate to welcome you both! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and much Aloha to you both!
Love the blog. Love the stories and jack. What a lucky lady you are and thank you for sharing with all of us. Love to win the tea set. Can’t wait for the Abbey I am in withdrawl… SANDI.